Happy Birthday Frida Kahlo

The New York Botanical gardens have re-imagined Kahlo’s beloved Casa Azul in the Conservatory and simultaneously are displaying rare artworks in their art gallery.  Frida Kahlo was born on this day, July 6th.  So Happy Birthday Frida!! This exhibition is on view through November 1, 2015. From the website: This blockbuster exhibition is the first to examine Frida Kahlo’s keen appreciation for the beauty and variety of the natural world, as evidenced by her home and garden as well as the complex use of plant imagery in her artwork. Featuring a rare display of more than a dozen original Kahlo paintings and works on paper, this limited six-month engagement also reimagines the iconic artist’s famed garden and studio at the Casa Azul, her lifelong home in Mexico City.

As you walk around the conservatory, you see and learn about plants native to Frida's Mexico like these cacti and they also recreated her studio within the garden's walls.

I am such a rebel. I picked up the paint brush to pose. My husband fretted that we would be kicked out but I assured him it was just a fake prop, not the artist's real paintbrush... I think. By the way, you would think that I wore this Mexican peasant blouse just for the exhibit, but I basically wear these lightweight tops all summer long. I have three that I rotate in different colors. I bought all of them on etsy. Like my bag? I am offering them for sale on etsy too: Custom Handbags

This was a really cool part of the exhibition where they recreated Frida Kahlo's art studio set up. It seems that she ground her own pigments.

Now that I study the set up, I am convinced that these are NOT her paint brushes as they look like they have never been used.

The garden includes these outdoor ponds ( not shown) and the walls are surrounded by bright marigolds.

There is also an indoor exhibit which includes a sculptural recreation of her "Two Fridas" painting. There is also a small gallery that includes some remarkable original work. I wasn't allowed to take photos in there, and I couldn't find postcards from the show in the gift shop.

Just outside the indoor gallery is a taco stand, but I made my family go to the "grill" which was pretty fancy. It was Father's Day when we went and the staff all wished my husband a happy father's day- so they got a great tip. I loved the way they decorated the tables with succulents in terracotta pots and the cobalt glasses. There was a themed menu with Mexican flavors that included Tres Leche cake for dessert.

Although I was disappointed the gift shop didn't have "show specific" postcards, there was plenty of gift shop goodies to lust after like these fiesta themed glassware.

I also love the lush flower arrangement on the Frida themed table.

I couldn't help but be reminded of the Sugar Skull mixed media paintings I've done, like this one.

Other Blog Posts you might like:

• Summer Bucket List: 6 Must See NYC Art Shows 

• Mexican Spirits

• • how art changes the way we think about death

   

• Decorating Day of the Dead

More About Me

For super fans only: You can stay connected with me  through one of my newsletters where I curate my content  for either artists or art collectors, but if you want to receive  everyone of my blog posts the day after I write them. you  can subscribe to them via by Email I write about   color trends, museum musings, my art, art journaling, decorating ideas and watercolor techniques.

Hey, I'm Miriam Schulman and I create mixed media art to tell stories. I also teach other people how to craft their stories with art. I give them the techniques they need to get the results they desire which brings more joy to their lives.